U.S. Representatives Tom Reed, Diana DeGette and Ed Whitfield, leadership of the House Diabetes Caucus, have re-introduced legislation that would help Medicare-eligible Americans gain coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Medicare does not yet cover CGM devices, denying access to this innovative and potentially life-saving technology, which helps those with type 1 diabetes react to dangerous high and low blood sugar levels more quickly and effectively. In addition, this coverage would help pave the way for the next generation of CGM-related technologies, such as artificial pancreas systems.

The use of CGM technologies is recommended by national diabetes clinical guidelines and covered by nearly all private health plans. Please take a moment to email your U.S. Representative today, and ask them to co-sponsor this timely legislation. Be sure to personalize your letter below, and tell Congress why the issue of CGM coverage by Medicare is important to you. Lastly, please share this alert with friends and family, asking them to send their message to their Members as well!

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Please Co-Sponsor H.R. 1427, the 'Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015' to Ensure Seniors with Diabetes have access to CGMs

Dear [Decision Maker],

As your constituent, I am writing you today to ask you to co-sponsor the 'Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015' (H.R. 1427), as introduced by Representatives Reed, DeGette and Whitfield, that would ensure Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). A Senate companion bill, has also been introduced by Senators Collins and Shaheen.

The CGM is an FDA-approved, physician-prescribed device that detects and displays blood glucose levels continuously, and reveals trends in glucose levels that often go unnoticed by using traditional finger-stick measurements alone. The device enables a person with diabetes to react to rising or falling blood glucose levels before they become dangerous. There is extensive clinical evidence that shows the use of a CGM improves diabetes management. Based on this evidence, national diabetes clinical guidelines recommend the use of CGMs and the devices are covered by nearly all private health plans.

Unfortunately, people with diabetes who become Medicare beneficiaries no longer have coverage for their CGM, even if they have been successfully managing their diabetes with the device. With insulin-dependent seniors being at greater risk for hypoglycemia and having higher emergency room use and hospitalization rates, it makes sense for Medicare to cover this technology.

The 'Medicare CGM Access Act of 2015' would resolve this issue and help pave the way for coverage of the next generation of CGM-related technologies, such as artificial pancreas systems.

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Thank you for your consideration of this issue. I look forward to hearing from you.